A 35-year-old man was arrested yesterday and charged with kidnapping his ex-girlfriend Sunday from her Columbia apartment, Howard County police said.

Police believe a man went to the woman's apartment in the 4900 block of Blue Wing Court around 6 p.m., knocked on her door, and forced her into his car, said Sgt. Morris Carroll, Howard County police spokesman.

"He beat her" and threatened to kill her, Carroll said.

About two hours later in Hagerstown, the woman, 38, told the man she had to use the bathroom.

"When he stopped the car, she fled on foot and went a nearby house," Carroll said.

Police arrested Robert Francis Morton III of Pikesville at his apartment and charged him with kidnapping, second-degree assault and reckless endangerment. His bail will be set today.

Pub Date: 3/30/99